The United States is introducing major changes to its visa rules for international students, replacing the longstanding system that allowed students to remain in the country for the duration of their academic programs with a fixed period of admission.
Under the new rules, students will be admitted for a specific period based on the length of their academic program as listed on Form I-20, officially known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. The admission period generally cannot exceed four years.
The changes are expected to have a significant impact on international students’ study plans, immigration status and applications for additional time in the United States.
Post-Study Grace Period Cut to 30 Days
The new framework also changes the amount of time students have to leave the United States after completing their studies.
Under the new rules, students will generally have an additional 30 days after the end of their authorized admission period to depart the country or take other lawful steps to maintain their status.
Students will continue to be allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before the report or program start date listed on their Form I-20.
Special Limits for Some Students
Certain categories of students will face shorter maximum admission periods.
Students enrolled in English-language training programs will be limited to a maximum of 24 months, while students attending public high schools will be subject to a maximum period of 12 months, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
Students who cannot complete their programs within their authorized period will need to seek an extension through the appropriate process. The proposed framework requires an application for an extension of stay, along with the applicable fee and approval from US immigration authorities.
Travel Could Affect Admission Period
The new system also places greater importance on the status and documentation of students who leave the United States and later return.
Under the framework, students who depart the country after the rule takes effect may be admitted for a new fixed period based on the dates reflected on their Form I-20. Students requiring additional time to complete their studies or pursue eligible post-completion training may need to apply for an extension of stay.
Students Face Greater Documentation Responsibilities
The shift away from “duration of status” means international students will need to pay closer attention to the end dates of their authorized stay, their Form I-20 and any applications for extensions.
The Department of Homeland Security has said the new fixed-period system is intended to provide a specific admission date rather than allowing students to remain under the previous open-ended “duration of status” framework.
For international students, the changes make timely compliance with immigration requirements increasingly important, particularly when a program runs longer than initially expected or when students plan to extend their studies or participate in post-completion training.
